When learning Croatian, one of the joys is being able to share special occasions and celebrations using the local language. Whether you’re at a wedding, a birthday party, or any festive event, knowing the right words can enhance your experience and help you connect with the culture. Here, we will explore some of the essential Croatian vocabulary tailored for such memorable times.

Rojendan
This word means “birthday.” It’s a day to celebrate the anniversary of someone’s birth with cake, gifts, and good wishes.
Sretan ti rojendan! Želim ti sve najbolje.

Vjenčanje
Vjenčanje is the Croatian word for “wedding,” a ceremony where two people are united in marriage.
Pozvani smo na vjenčanje moje sestrične sljedeći mjesec.

Obljetnica
An “anniversary” is a commemoration of a significant event from the past, usually marked every year. In Croatian, it’s called obljetnica.
Proslavili smo petu obljetnicu braka romantičnom večerom.

Božić
Christmas in Croatian is Božić. It’s the time for family gatherings, traditional meals, and exchanging gifts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Svi se veselimo Božiću jer ćemo biti zajedno kao obitelj.

Uskrs
Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is Uskrs in Croatian. It is celebrated with special meals, church services, and Easter egg traditions.
Za Uskrs ćemo bojati jaja i pripremiti tradicionalnu uskršnju šunku.

Nova godina
The term “New Year” translates to Nova godina. It marks the beginning of the year on the Gregorian calendar and is often associated with fireworks and celebrations.
Svatko planira kako će proslaviti Novu godinu.

Doček
Doček specifically refers to a “reception” or a “celebratory gathering,” often used in the context of New Year’s Eve (Silvestrovo) as Doček Nove godine.
Idemo na doček Nove godine na glavnom trgu u gradu.

Maturalna večer
This is the Croatian term for “prom,” a dance event for high school students marking the end of their senior year.
Svi su uzbuđeni zbog nadolazeće maturalne večeri.

Imendan
Imendan is the “name day,” a tradition in which people celebrate the feast day of the saint they are named after.
Danas je moj imendan, idemo na misu i poslije na ručak.

Domjenak
A “reception” or “banquet” often following special events like conferences or weddings is known as a domjenak in Croatian.
Nakon ceremonije slijedi domjenak u velikoj dvorani.

Krštenje
Baptism or christening in Croatian is krštenje, a Christian rite of admission and adoption into Christianity.
Pozvani smo na krštenje kćeri naših prijatelja.

Each of these words pertains to a specific kind of celebration or special occasion in Croatian culture. Knowing them will not only improve your vocabulary but also prepare you to participate in and appreciate the traditions and festivities you may encounter while in Croatia. Whether you’re wishing someone a happy birthday or attending a traditional event, these words will surely come in handy.